Results 14,161-14,180 of 18,736 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: An Garda Síochána, as part of its contribution to the Europol Organised Crime Report which was recently refined to become the Organised Crime Threat Assessment (OCTA), undertakes an annual assessment of organised crime in Ireland. The most recent assessment was completed in November 2006. This analysis concludes that the nature of organised crime gangs continues to be the same as in...

Written Answers — Garda Equipment: Garda Equipment (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: With the huge increase in Garda resources facilitated by this Government, I am satisfied that it has enabled a major investment by the Force in technology to meet the challenges of modern society. This year an unprecedented level of resources is being invested in technology for the Gardaí to assist them in the exercise of all their functions. The capital allocation for Information...

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Written Answers — Garda Deployment: Garda Deployment (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,178 following the attestation of 273 new members on Wednesday 14 March, 2007. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) on 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of...

Written Answers — Garda Strength: Garda Strength (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,178 following the attestation of 273 new members on Wednesday 14 March, 2007. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) on 30 June, 1997 and represents an...

Written Answers — Prison Accommodation: Prison Accommodation (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: High risk criminals are dispersed throughout the prison system. However, a substantial number of them are held in Portlaoise prison, which is currently operating at 63% of its capacity. I have been advised by the Irish Prison Service that custodial procedures are not breached with respect to high risk criminals. The decision to locate an individual at a particular institution is normally...

Written Answers — Prison Accommodation: Prison Accommodation (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: The total number of prisoners in custody on 2 April, 2007 was 3,283 compared with a bed capacity of 3,416. This represents an occupancy level of 96%. In relation to the number of cells not designed to cater for more than one person, it is not possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy in the time available as the information is not readily available. However, my Department...

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: I have been informed by the Garda authorities that as part of their contribution to the Europol Organised Crime Report, which was recently refined to become the Organised Crime Threat Assessment (OCTA), An Garda Síochána undertakes an annual assessment of organised crime in Ireland. The most recent assessment was completed in November 2006. The analysis concludes that the nature of...

Written Answers — Crime Levels: Crime Levels (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: Following the submission to me in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, I decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act, 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a...

Written Answers — Garda Strength: Garda Strength (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 140 together. I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,178 following the attestation of 273 new members on Wednesday 14 March, 2007. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all...

Written Answers — Garda Equipment: Garda Equipment (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together. I am been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,178 following the attestation of 273 new members on Wednesday 14 March, 2007. This compares with a total strength of 10,702...

Written Answers — Closed Circuit Television Systems: Closed Circuit Television Systems (4 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: I launched the Community-based CCTV Scheme in June 2005, in response to a demonstrated demand from local communities across Ireland for the provision of CCTV systems. The Scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to qualifying local organisations towards meeting the capital costs associated with the establishment of local community CCTV systems. The Scheme offers both...

Order of Business (5 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: It is proposed to take No. 16, revised Estimates for public services 2007, Votes 1 to 41, back from committee; No. 17, motion re Competition Act 2002 (section 18(5) and (6)) Order 2007, back from committee; No. 18, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann for a Council decision on the establishment, operation and use of the second generation Schengen information system, back from...

Order of Business (5 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: I understood this matter was debated at length and thoroughly investigated at a meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights under the chairmanship of Deputy Ardagh. I wish to correct the impression given by Deputy Ó Caoláin. What I said was that if it was considered, after it had been debated at committee, that there was a further need for a...

Order of Business (5 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: I have listened carefully to the debate on the matters raised. I have been, as I indicated I would be, reasonable at all points. I would be willing to devote the first day of the resumed session to Report Stage of the Bill on one condition, namely, that we get the business done that day and Members do not engage in the usual antics in respect of guillotines and mock posturing on that subject.

Order of Business (5 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: The Bill will then go to the Seanad.

Order of Business (5 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: That is a matter for the Whips. I will agree to Report Stage being taken on the first day the House resumes following the Easter recess and only on the condition proposed. The alternative scenario is that we conclude the debate on the Bill in this House today, the Bill will then be forwarded to the Seanad for debate and returned to this House for final consideration. That is the choice I...

Order of Business (5 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: I am offering Members a choice.

Order of Business (5 Apr 2007)

Michael McDowell: No, it is very simple.